Horror as huge beast from the deep washes ashore at Canary Island tourist hotspot

Tourists were gobsmacked after spotting an elusive creature on the sand. It's not every day an animal from the Twilight Zone of the deep ocean gets washed up while you're sunbathing with a good book - but that's exactly what happened last month. Locals and holidaymakers on the shores of Bahía Feliz, in the popular tourist hotspot of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria, were left baffled after a giant squid surfaced above the waters.

Local media say the event, which occurred on November 9, attracted a 'stream of onlookers' who were eager to get a closer view of the sea creature, which can grow up to a whopping 13 metres long. "Its presence serves as a reminder of the vital role these animals play in marine ecosystems and highlights the rich biodiversity that surrounds the Canary Islands," added Canarian Weekly.

Giant squids are one of the most elusive animals on the planet

Despite being the largest invertebrate on Earth, giant squids (Architeuthis dux) remain somewhat of a mystery to scientists due to their deep-sea habitat. They're incredibly difficult to study, and most information known about the sea creature actually comes from ones that have washed up on beaches or accidentally brought in by big fishing boats. In fact, it was only 20 years ago that researchers captured the first image of a live giant squid.

However, last year a giant squid washed up on a beach in Tenerife, which has become a global hotspot for rare sightings. The small channel between Tenerife and the less popular island of La Gomera is the most popular place to spot the impressive animals, which can weigh up to 100 kilograms.

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Little is known about the giant squid's population record, but experts over at National Geographic say there is 'least concern' for the creature becoming extinct, which has adapted to live in one of the most inhospitable parts of the sea. "Giant squid, along with their cousin, the colossal squid, have the largest eyes in the animal kingdom, measuring some 10 inches in diameter," the aces added. "These massive organs allow them to detect objects in the lightless depths where most other animals would see nothing."

It has not been confirmed whether the giant squid that washed up in Gran Canaria last month was taken by researchers for further study, or why it suddenly appeared on the beach. However, the rapid change in water temperature means it is likely to have died before reaching the sand.

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